Cartier: The jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers. There are few names in the world of high watchmaking and high jewelry that attract admiration more so than Cartier. Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, the legendary firm, from its beginnings, has been associated with exquisite craftsmanship and classic, sophisticated elegance. Their clientele is a Who’s Who in the world of fashion, politics, and society, with names like Wallace Simpson, Princess Grace of Monaco, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Andy Warhol, and even Formula 1 superstar, Ayrton Senna. In 1904, Cartier created the world’s first men’s wristwatch to incorporate integrated lugs for the renowned aviator, Alberto Santos Dumont. Following up on the success of this early timepiece, Cartier realized the Baignoire and Tortue in 1912, and in 1917, the revolutionary “Tank”. Designed near the end of World War I, the inspiration for the Tank’s groundbreaking design came from the top view of the very first Renault military tank vehicle deployed that same year.

The Louis Cartier was originally developed in 1922 under the name "Tank, Bords Arrondis" and was eventually changed to "Louis Cartier" a few years later. During the 1920s, Cartier made approximately 45 platinum "Louis Cartier" tank watches. Around a dozen of these Tanks were made of more that one type of precious metal (ie platinum with a gold caseback), and the remaining were crafted entirely of platinum (apart from the screws). The present watch, cased in platinum was made in 1929 is an exceptional specimen with a thick rice grain bracelet. Records show that the present watch was delivered with a bracelet. The movement is signed European Watch Clock and Co, which is correct for Cartier Paris wristwatches, and records show the timepiece was eventually sold in Cartier London - this is further confirmed by the two dots flanking the outside case number, which is a sign the watch was retailed in London. French hallmarks are also found on the outside caseback.